Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Luke 23:42, ” And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom.’ “
Background
There are very few instances in the gospels where Jesus is addressed by name. Most times He is called Lord, or maybe Master or Teacher. Oddly enough, some of those who call Him Jesus are the demons that He casts out. But regarding humans, the list includes a blind man, a leper, and a criminal hanging on a cross. That’s it. Not His disciples. Not His beloved Mary, Martha, or Lazarus. Just these three. Now I’m not equipped to direct all the relevance that might be contained by this unusual commonality. But I do see an occasion for us to ask ourselves how we might be addressing Jesus in our own lives. Of course, the Bible is filled with dozens of names referring to Jesus. Any web search can quickly return a lengthy list of all the various ways He is referenced within Scripture. But when any of the hundreds or thousands of people who might have at some time been in the presence of Jesus has the opportunity to call Him by that precious name, the only ones who do are a man who cannot see Him, one who cannot touch Him, and one who cannot do anything for Him. That’s a fairly underwhelming list, but one that speaks volumes.
Application
When the angel spoke to Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy, he told him that the baby would be called ” Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. ” As so many songs say, there is something about that name. In your life, you may speak of Jesus often, close your prayers by praying in His name, and even cringe when you hear others use it callously. But how do you address Him in the ups and downs of your day? Is He a casual acquaintance that best goes by some sort of nickname?
Is He a heavy-handed authority who intimidates and cannot understand you? It matters how we address Him. It reflects our relationship to Him. If there is a deep sense of compassion and grace flowing from Him, and you are responding with gratitude, praise and fellowship, then that affects how you address Him. If not, then that is evident, too. So get in His presence, and let Jesus be Jesus to you.
Charge
As we seek Him today, ask God to grow your relationship with Him so that Jesus goes by no other name. Ask the risen Savior to arise again in your heart so that He can be all that He wants to be in you.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
